President Donald Trump has announced the formation of the "Gaza Strip Peace Council", unveiling a list of seven founding executive members, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner. This council is a crucial component of the US-backed plan to resolve the conflict in the Gaza Strip, aiming for long-term stability and reconstruction.

The White House stated on 16/1 that the council's executive members possess extensive experience in diplomacy, development, infrastructure, and economic strategy. The seven members are: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, special envoy Steve Witkoff, real estate investor Jared Kushner, World Bank President Ajay Banga, billionaire Marc Rowan, and advisor Robert Gabriel.

Under President Trump's leadership, each executive member will oversee a specific area related to rebuilding the Gaza Strip. The White House affirmed this initiative is designed to foster a path toward lasting stability for the region.

Jared Kushner meeting President Putin in Moscow in December 2025. *Photo: AFP*.

The establishment of the "Gaza Strip Peace Council" marks an important step in phase two of the US-backed peace plan. President Trump lauded the council on 15/1, calling it "the most excellent and prestigious council ever established anywhere".

Preceding this, a 15-member Palestinian technocratic national committee for Gaza was also formed. This committee is tasked with governing the strip during a transitional phase. Ali Shaath, a Gaza native and former deputy minister of the Palestinian Authority, is appointed to lead this body.

Phase one of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip commenced on 10/10/2025. This initial stage involved the exchange of Israeli hostages, held by Hamas and its allies, for Palestinian prisoners captured by Israel. Following this, the Israeli army conducted a partial withdrawal, though it retains control over a significant portion of Gaza's territory.

The subsequent phase two of the agreement aims for the complete demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, with a primary focus on disarming all illegal armed groups.

Source: AFP, Reuters.